Canon G3 X vs Panasonic TZ100

The Canon PowerShot G3 X and the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 (labelled Panasonic ZS100 in some countries) are two digital cameras that were officially introduced, respectively,
in June 2015 and January 2016. Both the G3X and the TZ100 are fixed lens compact cameras that are equipped with an one-inch sensor. Both cameras offer a resolution of 20 megapixels. Read on to find out how these two cameras compare with respect to their body size, their sensors, their features, their input-output connections, and their reception by expert reviewers.

Body comparison: Canon G3 X vs Panasonic TZ100

The side-by-side display below illustrates the physical size and weight of the Canon G3 X and the Panasonic TZ100. The two cameras are presented according to their relative size. Three consecutive views from the front, the top, and the rear side are shown. All width, height and depth measures are rounded to the nearest millimeter.

If the front view area (width x height) of the cameras is taken as an aggregate measure of their size,
the Panasonic TZ100 is notably smaller (24 percent) than the Canon G3 X. Moreover, the TZ100 is substantially lighter (57 percent) than the G3X. It is worth mentioning in this context that the G3X is splash and dust resistant,
while the TZ100 does not feature any corresponding weather-sealing.

The power pack in the TZ100 can be charged via the USB port, which can be very convenient when travelling.

The adjacent table lists the principal physical characteristics of the two cameras alongside a wider set of alternatives. If you want to switch the focus of the display and review another camera pair, just select a new right or left
comparator from among the camera models in the table. Alternatively, you can also move across to the CAM-parator tool and
choose from the broad selection of possible camera comparisons there.

Any camera decision will naturally be influenced heavily by the price. The manufacturer’s suggested retail prices give an idea on the placement of the camera in the maker’s lineup and the broader market. The TZ100 was launched at a markedly lower price (by 30 percent) than the G3X, which puts it into a different market segment. Usually, retail prices stay at first close to the launch price, but after several months, discounts become available. Later in the product cycle and, in particular, when the replacement model is about to appear, further discounting and stock clearance sales often push the camera price considerably down.

Sensor comparison: Canon G3 X vs Panasonic TZ100

The size of the imaging sensor is a crucial determinant of image quality. A large sensor will generally have larger individual pixels that offer better low-light sensitivity, provide wider dynamic range, and have richer color-depth than smaller pixels in a sensor of the same technological generation. Further, a large sensor camera will give the photographer additional creative options when using shallow depth-of-field to isolate a subject from its background. On the downside, larger sensors tend to be more expensive and lead to bigger and heavier cameras and lenses.

Both cameras under consideration feature an one-inch sensor and have a format factor
(sometimes also referred to as "crop factor") of 2.7. Within the spectrum of camera sensors, this places the review cameras among the medium-sized sensor cameras
that aim to strike a balance between image quality and portability. Both cameras have a native aspect ratio (sensor width to sensor height) of 3:2.

The two cameras under review do not only share the same sensor size, but also offer an identical resolution of 20 megapixels.
This similarity in sensor specs implies that both the G3X and the TZ100 have the same pixel density, as well as the same pixel size. It should, however, be noted that the TZ100 is a somewhat more recent model (by 6 months) than the G3X, and its sensor
might have benefitted from technological advances during this time.

The Canon PowerShot G3 X has a native sensitivity range from ISO 125 to ISO 12800, which can be extended to ISO 125-25600.
The corresponding ISO settings for the Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 are ISO 125 to ISO 12800, with the possibility to increase the ISO range to 80-25600..

Since 2007, DXO Mark has published sensor performance measurements that have been derived using a consistent methodology. This service is based on lab testing and assigns an overall score to each camera sensor, as well as ratings for dynamic range ("DXO Landscape"), color depth ("DXO Portrait"), and low-light sensitivity ("DXO Sports"). Of the two cameras under consideration, the TZ100 has a markedly higher DXO score than the G3X (overall score 7 points higher), which will translate into better image quality. The advantage is based on 1.4 bits higher color depth, 0.2 EV in additional dynamic range, and 0.1 stops in additional low light sensitivity. The following table provides an overview of the physical sensor characteristics, as well as the sensor quality measurements for a selection of comparators.

Sensor Characteristics

Camera Model

Sensor Class

Resolution (MP)

Horiz. Pixels

Vert. Pixels

Video Format

DXO Portrait

DXO Landscape

DXO Sports

DXO Overall

Camera Model

Canon G3 X»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

1080/60p

21.4

12.3

521

63

Canon G3 X

Panasonic TZ100«

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

22.8

12.5

559

70

Panasonic TZ100

Canon 80D«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/60p

23.6

13.2

1135

79

Canon 80D

Canon G5 X«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

1080/60p

-

-

-

-

Canon G5 X

Canon G9 X«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

1080/60p

21.5

12.3

495

63

Canon G9 X

Canon M3«»

APS-C

24.0

6000

4000

1080/30p

22.8

11.8

1169

72

Canon M3

Canon G7 X«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

1080/60p

23.0

12.7

556

71

Canon G7 X

Canon 70D«»

APS-C

20.0

5472

3648

1080/30p

22.5

11.6

926

68

Canon 70D

Panasonic TZ200«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

-

-

-

-

Panasonic TZ200

Panasonic LX15«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

-

-

-

-

Panasonic LX15

Panasonic FZ1000«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

22.1

11.7

517

64

Panasonic FZ1000

Sony RX10 III«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

23.1

12.6

472

70

Sony RX10 III

Sony RX100 V«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

22.8

12.4

586

70

Sony RX100 V

Sony RX10 II«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

23.0

12.6

531

70

Sony RX10 II

Sony RX100 IV«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

4K/30p

22.8

12.6

591

70

Sony RX100 IV

Sony RX10«»

1-inch

20.0

5472

3648

1080/60p

22.9

12.6

474

69

Sony RX10

Many modern cameras are not only capable of taking still images, but also of capturing video footage. Both cameras under consideration are equipped with sensors that have a sufficiently high read-out speed for moving images, but the TZ100 provides a better video resolution than the G3X. It can shoot movie footage at 4K/30p, while the Canon is limited to 1080/60p.

Feature comparison: Canon G3 X vs Panasonic TZ100

Apart from body and sensor, cameras can and do differ across a range of features. For example, the TZ100 has an electronic viewfinder (1166k dots), which can be very helpful when shooting in bright sunlight.
In contrast, the G3X relies on live view and the rear LCD for framing. That said, the G3X can be equipped with an optional viewfinder – the EVF-DC1. The table below summarizes some of the other core capabilities of the Canon G3 X and Panasonic TZ100 in connection with corresponding information for a sample of similar cameras.

Core Features

Camera Model

Viewfinder (Type or '000 dots)

Control Panel (yes/no)

LCD Size (inch)

LCD Resolution ('000 dots)

LCD Attach- ment

Touch Screen (yes/no)

Shutter speed (1/sec)

Shutter flaps (1/sec)

Built-in Flash (yes/no)

Built-in Image Stab

Camera Model

Canon G3 X»

-

n

3.2

1620

tilting

Y

2000

5.9

Y

Y

Canon G3 X

Panasonic TZ100«

1166

n

3.0

1040

fixed

Y

2000

10.0

Y

Y

Panasonic TZ100

Canon 80D«»

optical

Y

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

8000

7.0

Y

n

Canon 80D

Canon G5 X«»

2360

n

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

2000

5.9

Y

Y

Canon G5 X

Canon G9 X«»

-

n

3.0

1040

fixed

Y

2000

6.0

Y

Y

Canon G9 X

Canon M3«»

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

4000

4.2

Y

n

Canon M3

Canon G7 X«»

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

2000

6.5

Y

Y

Canon G7 X

Canon 70D«»

optical

Y

3.0

1040

swivel

Y

8000

7.0

Y

n

Canon 70D

Panasonic TZ200«»

2330

n

3.0

1240

fixed

Y

2000

10.0

Y

Y

Panasonic TZ200

Panasonic LX15«»

-

n

3.0

1040

tilting

Y

4000

10.0

Y

Y

Panasonic LX15

Panasonic FZ1000«»

2359

n

3.0

921

swivel

n

4000

12.0

Y

Y

Panasonic FZ1000

Sony RX10 III«»

2359

Y

3.0

1229

tilting

n

2000

14.0

Y

Y

Sony RX10 III

Sony RX100 V«»

2359

n

3.0

1229

tilting

n

2000

24.0

Y

Y

Sony RX100 V

Sony RX10 II«»

2359

Y

3.0

1229

tilting

n

3200

14.0

Y

Y

Sony RX10 II

Sony RX100 IV«»

2359

n

3.0

1228

tilting

n

2000

16.0

Y

Y

Sony RX100 IV

Sony RX10«»

1440

Y

3.0

1229

tilting

n

3200

10.0

Y

Y

Sony RX10

The G3X has an articulated LCD that can be turned to be front-facing. This characteristic will be appreciated by
vloggers and photographers who are interested in snapping selfies. In contrast, the TZ100 does not have a selfie-screen.

The reported shutter speed and shutter burst refer to the use of the mechanical shutter. In addition, the TZ100 features
an electronic shutter, which makes completely silent shooting possible. However, this mode is less suitable for photographing moving objects (risk of rolling shutter) or
shooting under artificial light sources (risk of flickering).

Both the G3X and the TZ100 have zoom lenses built in. The G3X has a 24-600mm f/2.8-5.6 optic and the TZ100 offers a 25-250mm f/2.8-5.9 (focal lengths in full frame equivalent terms). Hence, the Canon provides a wider angle of view at the short end, as well as more tele-photo reach at the long end than the Panasonic. Both cameras offer the same maximum aperture.

Concerning the storage of imaging data, both the G3X and the TZ100 write their files to SDXC cards.

Connectivity comparison: Canon G3 X vs Panasonic TZ100

For some imaging applications, the extent to which a camera can communicate with its environment can be an important aspect in the camera decision process. The table below provides an overview of the connectivity of the Canon PowerShot G3 X and Panasonic Lumix DMC-TZ100 and, in particular, the interfaces the cameras (and selected comparators) provide for accessory control and data transfer.

Input-Output Connections

Camera Model

Hotshoe Port

Internal Microphone

Internal Speaker

Microphone Port

Headphone Port

HDMI Port

USB Type

WiFi Support

NFC Support

Bluetooth Support

Camera Model

Canon G3 X»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon G3 X

Panasonic TZ100«

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Panasonic TZ100

Canon 80D«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon 80D

Canon G5 X«»

Y

stereo

mono

-

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon G5 X

Canon G9 X«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon G9 X

Canon M3«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon M3

Canon G7 X«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Canon G7 X

Canon 70D«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

mini

2.0

Y

-

-

Canon 70D

Panasonic TZ200«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Panasonic TZ200

Panasonic LX15«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

-

-

Panasonic LX15

Panasonic FZ1000«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Panasonic FZ1000

Sony RX10 III«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Sony RX10 III

Sony RX100 V«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Sony RX100 V

Sony RX10 II«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Sony RX10 II

Sony RX100 IV«»

-

stereo

mono

-

-

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Sony RX100 IV

Sony RX10«»

Y

stereo

mono

Y

Y

micro

2.0

Y

Y

-

Sony RX10

It is notable that the G3X has a hotshoe, while the TZ100 does not. This socket makes it possible to easily
attach optional accessories, such as an external flash gun.

The G3X is a recent model that features in the current product line-up of Canon.
In contrast, the TZ100 has been discontinued (but it can be found pre-owned on eBay). As a replacement in the same line of cameras, the TZ100 was succeeded by the Panasonic TZ200.

Review summary: Canon G3 X vs Panasonic TZ100

So what conclusions can be drawn? Is the Canon G3 X better than the Panasonic TZ100 or vice versa? Below is a summary of the relative strengths of each of the two contestants.

Reasons to prefer the Canon PowerShot G3 X:

Better sound: Can connect to an external microphone for higher quality sound recording.

Better sound control: Has a headphone port that enables audio monitoring while recording.

Less disturbing: Has an electronic shutter option for completely silent shooting.

More compact: Is smaller (111x65mm vs 123x77mm) and will fit more readily into a bag.

Less heavy: Has a lower weight (by 421g or 57 percent) and is thus easier to take along.

Easier travel charging: Can be conveniently charged via its USB port.

More affordable: Was introduced into a lower priced category (30 percent cheaper at launch).

More modern: Was introduced somewhat (6 months) more recently.

If the count of individual advantages (bullet points above) is taken as a guide, the G3X emerges as the winner of the contest (12 : 10 points). However, the relative importance of the various individual camera aspects will vary according to personal preferences and needs, so that you might like to apply corresponding weights to the particular features before making a decision on a new camera.

G3X 12:10 TZ100

In any case, while the comparison of technical specifications can provide a useful overview of the capabilities of different cameras, it says nothing about, for example, the handling, responsiveness, and overall imaging quality of the G3X and the TZ100 in practical situations. User reviews that are available, for instance, at amazon can sometimes shed light on these issues, but such feedback is all too often partial, inconsistent, and inaccurate.

Expert reviews: Canon G3 X vs Panasonic TZ100

This is why expert reviews are important. The adjacent table relays the overall verdicts of several of the most popular camera review sites (cameralabs, dpreview, ephotozine, imaging-resource, photographyblog). You can find the full text of the reviews by clicking on the site logo in the table header.

The review scores listed above should be treated with care, though. The assessments were made in relation to similar cameras of the same technological generation. Thus, a score needs to be put into the context of the launch date and the launch price of the camera, and rating-comparisons among cameras that span long time periods or concern very differently equipped models make little sense. It should also be noted that some of the review sites have over time altered the way they render their verdicts.

Other camera comparisons

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